The illusion of God's presence
Subtitle: the biological origins of spiritual longing
By: John C. Wathey
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 2016
Language: eng
Number of pages: 463
ISBN-13: 9781633880740
Subjects: Religion and science; Biology; Experience (Religion); Religious aspects
Description: An essential feature of religious experience across many cultures is the intuitive feeling of God's presence. More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion. Biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey, a veteran neuroscientist, argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 365-421) and index.